Vanessa Williams is sharing some sad news. The actress took to Instagram on Thursday to announce that her beloved mother, Helen Louise Williams, has sadly passed away.
“On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo, and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame,” she said on behalf of her family. “Our mom, Helen Williams, aka Gaga to many, took her final bow in London 20 days after celebrating her 85th birthday, surrounded by family and friends. It’s impossible to describe all she meant to everyone because each person saw a different facet of her. Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a chosen few. We will miss it all. We want to offer some reflections on her remarkable life.”
While remembering Helen, the family also provided a little more detail about her passing in her obituary. “She had recently traveled to London for the opening night of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ in the West End and to celebrate her 85th birthday party surrounded by 150 of her family and friends. During her visit, she suffered a major decline in health that ended her life.”
Even with that devastating loss, the family says, “Mrs. Williams left a sterling legacy as an impassioned advocate and activist for the arts, education, women’s rights, racial equality, and social justice.”
They continued sharing her accomplishments: “She launched her teaching career at Claremont Elementary School in Ossining, NY, in 1961 as a vocal music teacher. She taught folk dancing and theatrical productions to a variety of grades from 1 to 5 throughout her tenure. Mrs. Williams’ motivational mantra to her students embodied her unrelenting spirit: ‘Work the best you can and don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do something—ever! Make up your mind, prepare yourself, study hard, and be very, very confident.’ She retired in 1996.”
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers or gifts, people “please consider donating to The Helen Tinch Williams Vocal Performance Fund using this link: https://give-tofredonia.formstack.com/forms/give_now or send to The Helen Tinch Williams Vocal Performance Fund, c/o Fredonia College Foundation, 272 Central Avenue, Fredonia, New York 14063.”
The family will be planning an intimate private memorial service in January to celebrate her life.
Hollywood Unlocked sends our deepest condolences to Vanessa Williams and her family during this difficult time.
